ECHO OF THE BUTCHERS’ STRIKE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 75, 12 March 1913, Page 5

ECHO OF THE BUTCHERS’ STRIKE.

A STREET FRACAS.

•PERJURY ALLEGED

At the Hastings Court this morning. before Mr. S. E. McCarthy. S.M.. further evidence was heard in the case in which George McNaughton and John Doran were charged with using threatening behaviuor in Heretaunga street on 22i)d of Feb., and which was adjourned from Friday last to enable Doran to call his witnesses- It will be remembered that it was alleged by McNaughton and three witnesses that Doran was drunk .anil struck the first blow. Doran denied this and the Magistrate granted him an adjournment to bring corroborative evidence. Mr. Banks appeared for Doran and for McNaughton. Evidence was given by Robert Phair/jun.. to the effect that on the evening of the alleged assault he was in company with Doran. Doran was sober. They met McNaughton near the Union Bank of Australia, and as Doran had been telling witness about being called a "scab, by McNaughton, he pointed McNaughton out to him. Doran went over and said something to McNaughton, who then struck him. Doran hit him back, and after another exchange or two, McNaughton knocked Doran down, and when he got up he knocked him down a second time. Witness was quite sober. It was not necessary for McNaughton to knock Doran down in order to defend himself. When Doran was on the ground, one of McNaughton’s friends said “Put him out.” He took that to refer to Doran. He was sure McNaughton struck the first blow. To Mr. Hallett: He had known

McNaughton to speak to for about two years, and also knew his brother. * There was much of a resemblance between the two. He dick not know which McNaughton called Doran a “scab,” but it would not be possible for Doran to have made a mistake. Witness Bad net discussed the-case with Doran. Doran had only had three drinks that night. Witness was in his company the whole afternoon. Doran was not looking for McNaugton, but in view of what Doran had told witness about McNaughton calling him a “scajj” he pointed him out.' He did not hear what Doran said to McNaughton. Doran could not have struck McNaughton without witness witness seeing it. The three witnesses, Berry, Ashridge, and Gilles-

pie,w ho said that Doran struck the firs tblow were wrong. Witness was not told to take Doran home. Could not say if McNaughton was sober. Witness did net attempt to stop the fight. Someone grabbed hold of him from behind. Doran had told him a few days previously that he wanted to see McNaughton. He was annoyed about the remarks which had been made.

To Mr. Banks: They had their first drink about 2.30 p.m., the second .about 8 p.m.. 'and the third soon Wter.

Alex. Phair, brother of the previous witness, said he saw a crowd gathered near the L’nion Bank of Australia, and when he went over Doran had hold of McNaughton by

the. arms and was pushing him agaioMrihe bank door. When Doran let go, McNaughton struck him and knocked him down, and when Doran stood up McNaughton knocked him doxn again. McNaughton then disappeared. Constable McGruer gave evidence that he saw Doran about 9.15 p.m. on the night of the assault. He was sober. Phair appeared to be sober also.

. Mr. Banks said that Doran did not deny using threatening behaviour, bat he objected to being made a scapegoat to clear McNaughton and to the allegation that it was he who commenced the fight. In giving his decision, His Worship said : "‘I am satisfied, after hearing the evidence of Constable McGcuer, that McNaughton and his witnesses have sworn falsely. It is a great pity that young men, to try and advance the cause of unionism, should go into the witness box and commit perjury as you (McNaughton) and your companions have done. The information against Doran was dismissed. McNaughton was convicted and fined £5 with 13 costs, or in default one month’s imprisonment. A fortnight was allowed in which to pay the fine.